Safety belts with deceleration release control

ABSTRACT

A safety belt anchorage device for use in vehicles comprising a check device having a pinion rotatably mounted in a casing, a chain engaging the pinion teeth and at one end adapted to be secured to the end of a safety belt, a torsion spring for rewinding the chain on said pinion, and an axially sliding member for positively locking the pinion against free rotation, and control means actuated upon braking or deceleration of the vehicle.

States 316i 91 51E Lipschutz 1 51 Jan.30, 1973 [73] Assignee: Societe DExploitation des lirevets Neiman, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France [22] Filed: June 18,1970

[21] App1.No.: 47,322

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data June 20, 1969 France ..6920632 [52] US Cl ..l80/82, 280/150 SB, 242/107 SB, 297/388 [51] 1nt.C1 ..B60r 21/10 [58] Field of Search ..180/82, 103; 280/150 SB; 242/1074,107.5,107,107.3,107.6; 297/388 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,240,510 3/1966 Spouge ..180/82 2,726,826 12/1955 Hoven et a1. ..242/107.4

1,091,571 3/1914 Goodwin ..242/l07.7 2,705,529 4/1955 Bull et a1. ..180/82 2,708,966 5/1955 Davis ..242/107 2,732,149 1/1956 Whittingham et a1. v242/1074 2,883,123 4/1959 3,220,747 11/1965 Marion ..297/388 X Primary Examiner-Kenneth H. Betts Att0rneyStevens, Davis, Miller 8L Mosher [57] ABSTRACT A safety belt anchorage device for use in vehicles comprising a check device having a pinion rotatably mounted in a casing, a chain engaging the pinion teeth and at one end adapted to be secured to the end of a safety belt, a torsion spring for rewinding the chain on said pinion, and an axially sliding member for positive- 1y locking the pinion against free rotation, and control means actuated upon braking or deceleration of the vehicle.

9 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJAN30 191a SHEET 10F 6 FIG/I 3 MN or Q a PATENTEDJMIBO I973 SHEET 20F s Iii" :f

oeomwmo N OE SHEET 4 OF 6 PATENTED JAN 30 I975 om vm mm QAVE PAIENIEDJAH30 I975 SHEET 5 6 FIG.9

FIG.8

PATENTEDJMSO 191s 3.713.506

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SAFETY BELTS WITH DECELERATION RELEASE CONTROL Many types of safety belts for drivers and passengers of automotive vehicles are now available on the market; they differ mainly by the design of the anchorage system.

Most types have a major inconvenience, in that the user of the belt is trapped" therein and firmly attached to his seat, so that he cannot move freely and must make a sometime awkward control action for releasing the belt. In certain cases, the user cannot perform this necessary control movement due to a material impossibility.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a safety belt for automotive drivers and passengers which eliminates these inconveniences.

The applicants invention was based on the following observation:

a. The user must constantly be free in his movements except in case of sudden deceleration, that is, in case of sudden brake application, or in case of a risk of accident or front crash b. When a danger arises, the driver of a vehicle, whether by instinct or automatically, depresses the brake pedal. Therefore a relationship between the braking action and the efficiency of the safety belt may exist.

In view of the foregoing, the present invention is characterized by the fact that a positive locking of the belt takes place only each time the brake pedal is depressed; otherwise, the belt is relatively free" under all other circumstances.

The attached drawing given by way of illustration, not of limitation, will afford a clearer understanding of this invention and of the manner in which the same may be carried out in practice. In the drawing:

FIG. 1 illustrates diagrammatically in side elevational view the relative arrangement of the component elements of the device;

FIG. 2 illustrates in longitudinal section the device of FIG. 3, the section being taken along the line IIII thereof;

FIG. 3 is a plane view from above of this device;

FIG. 4 is a different form of embodiment shown 5; section taken along the line AA of FIG. 5

FIG. 5 is a plane view from above of the same form of embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along the line AA of FIG. 7 concerning a third form of embodiment, and

FIG. 7 is a plane view from above of this third form of embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of components of a hydraulic activating system for the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of elements of a pneumatic activating system for the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partially schematic view of an inertia switch activating system for the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the device similar to the one illustrated in FIG.

The general principle of the invention is illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 1 in which the brake pedal 1 is adapted to actuate a switch 2; on the other hand, the seat 3 is equipped with a belt webbing 4 anchored to the device 5 electrically connected in turn to said switch 2 via a wire 6 and grounded at 7 via a solenoid 8.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be seen that the end 9 of a base plate 10 is secured to the floor (not shown) of the vehicle (or to any other suitable point of anchorage of safety belts or harnesses), the assembly comprising a fastener 11 of a sliding blade 12 to which the belt proper 4 is secured.

This blade 12 has a row of perforations 13 formed therethrough which are engageable by a hook-shaped end 14 of a pawl 15 fulcrumed about a pivot pin 16 mounted in a strap 17 of a support or bracket 18 rigid with said base plate 10.

When a tractive effort is exerted on the belt 4 the blade 12 is caused to slide at will (until the two lateral projections 21 of blade 12 engage the stop plate 22). Due to this relatively ample permissible movement the user has a complete ease of movement. When the user is in a normal position on his seat the assembly is constantly urged to its initial position (as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3) by resilient or mechanical return means such as tension springs 19. Now let us assume that the driver actuates even very slightly the braking system of the vehicle: depressing the brake pedal 1 will close switch 2 and energize the solenoid 8 which, by rotating the pawl 15 in the clockwise direction as seen in FIG. 2 causes the hook-shaped pawl end 14 to engage one of the perforations 13, thus positively locking the belt 4 in relation to the fixed base plate 10. When the brake pedal 1 is released, the switch 2 is opened, thus discontinuing the energization of solenoid 8 and therefore its action on pawl 15 which is then returned to its inoperative position by a return spring 20 to release the blade 12.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another form of embodiment of this invention.

A fixed guide block 40 is rigidly secured to the base plate 10 and acts both as a guide to the movable blade 12 and as a support to the solenoid 8. Another block 41 adapted to slide along the fixed base plate 10 is temporarily locked in relation to said movable blade 12 by means of a transverse pin 42 force-fitted in said block 41 and also to a clip 43 carried by the movable blade 12. The operation is the same as that of the preceding form of embodiment, the only difference residing in the method of assembling the fixed portion with the movable portion of the device which, in this second example, can be released completely from the fixed portion. The assembly comprising the solenoid 8, pawl 15 and return spring 20 have the same functions as in the preceding form of embodiment. The device comprises likewise a fixed base plate 10, a movable blade 12 formed with perforations 13, and a belt fastener 11.

When the belt webbing 4 is pulled the movable blade 12 and block 41 are carried along and the latter slides on the fixed blade 10 until it engages the fixed block 40.

Further pulling the belt webbing 4 will cause the clip 43 to be released from pin 42, thus producing a complete release of the users body without any intervention whatsoever from the user himself.

To reset the device, it is only necessary to re-engage the clip 43 on pin 42.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a third form of embodiment of this invention wherein a solenoid 8 has its winding electrically connected to the brake pedal 1 through a switch 2 as explained in connection with the first form of embodiment. The assembly is enclosed in two casing halves 27 comprising on one side a fastening lug 28 for anchoring the device to the vehicle structure. This casing 27 has mounted therein on the one side a pinion 29 revolving on a bearing 30 secured to the casing 27, a chain 31 having one end anchored to said pinion 29, a return spring 32 secured to the casing at one end and to the pinion at the opposite end in order to rewind the chain 31 on said pinion 29. The chain 31 carries at said opposite end an anchoring lug 33 for securing the belt 4 thereto. Two rollers 39 are provided for guiding the chain 31 at the casing outlet.

On the other hand, a plate 34 has force fitted therein, a pair of studs 35 adapted to be guided in two holes 36 formed in said casing 27 in order to hold the plate 34 against rotation. Thus, during a brake application the solenoid 8 is energized and attracts the plate 34 with the two studs 35, said studs engaging registering holes 37 formed in said pinion 29 and locking same against rotation; at the same time, the belt 4 is positively locked. When the brake pedal 1 (FIG. 1) is released, the switch 2 is opened and the solenoid 9 is de-energized, whereby the assembly comprising the plate 34 and the pair of studs 35 resume their initial positions as shown in FIG. 6, due to the resilient action of a return coil spring 38, whereby pinion 29 and chain 31 are released. Thus, the driver has again a great freedom of movement.

The solenoid or electromagnet control of these various devices may be replaced if desired by mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic or other control systems.

FIG. 8 illustrates components of a hydraulic activating system for a device 47 of the present invention, as already describe herein. The hydraulic system of FIG. 8 includes a master-cylinder or pump 45 actuated by brake pedal 46, and connected to fluid reservoir 44.

Similarly FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a pneumatic activating system for a device 47 according to the present invention. FIG. 9 includes a source of pressurized air or vacuum 48, a reservoir 49, a valve actuated by a brake pedal 46, all for operating the device 47.

FIG. shows a known form of inertia switch having mass 57, with spring 58, and fixed contact 56, and moving contacts 59 for electrically connecting electric power source 50 to a device 47 according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of the invention similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, and here showing plate 34 attached to piston 67 in cylinder 68 which is operable by fluid communicated to cylinder 68 through passage 69. When fluid under pressure is passed into cylinder 68, piston 67 moves axially in the cylinder to engage the studs 35 attached to plate 34 in the registering holes 37 in pinion 39.

Of course, the various forms of embodiment described hereinabove should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention since many modifications may be brought thereto without departing from the basic principles of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is:

1. A safety belt anchoring device for use with safety belts for passengers in vehicles comprising,

a casing,

a pinion rotatably mounted in said casing,

a chain winding upon said pinion, one end of said chain being anchored to said pinion and the op posite end of said chain having means for connecting said chain-to a seat belt,

a resilient torsion spring for rewinding the chain on said pinion, on one side of said pinion, a locking plate having a plurality of stud members extending therefrom toward said side face of said pinion, said plate member slidably mounted for movement in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the pinion, and said pinion having therein holes adapted for receiving the ends of said studs,

means for slidably moving said locking plate toward said pinion to engage said studs in said holes for positively locking the pinion against any rotation, and

control means for activating the means for slidably moving the locking plate towards the pinion in response to a sudden deceleration of a vehicle.

2. A device according to claim 1, additionally comprising spring means for urging said locking plate away from said pinion.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said control means comprises an electromagnet having a solenoid energized by an electrical system which is activated upon sudden deceleration of a vehicle, said electromagnet having a movable core connected to said locking plate for moving said plate axially toward said pinion when said core is attracted by said solenoid.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the control means is connected to the brake pedal of a vehicle for actuation by sudden depression of said brake pedal.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes an inertia switch for energizing said means upon a sudden deceleration ofa vehicle.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein said device is securely anchored to an internal portion of the body of a vehicle and the end of said chain having means for connection with a seat belt is connected to a seat belt, and the other end of said belt is also securely anchored to the vehicle body.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein said control means comprises a cylinder in said casing coaxial with said pinion, a piston axially slidable in said cylinder and connected to said locking plate, a fluid.

supply source, a valve member connected to said source and to said cylinder, said valve member connected for actuation by a brake pedal in said vehicle so that when said brake pedal is depressed, said cylinder is filled with fluid at a pressure sufficient to engage the studs of said locking plate in the holes of said pinion.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the fluid comprises hydraulic fluid.

9. A device according to claim 7, wherein said control means is pneumatic and includes a source of compressed gas. 

1. A safety belt anchoring device for use with safety belts for passengers in vehicles comprising, a casing, a pinion rotatably mounted in said casing, a chain winding upon said pinion, one end of said chain being anchored to said pinion and the opposite end of said chain having means for connecting said chain to a seat belt, a resilient torsion spring for rewinding the chain on said pinion, on one side of said pinion, a locking plate having a plurality of stud members extending therefrom toward said side face of said pinion, said plate member slidably mounted for movement in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the pinion, and said pinion having therein holes adapted for receiving the ends of said studs, means for slidably moving said locking plate toward said pinion to engage said studs in said holes for positively locking the pinion against any rotation, and control means for activating the means for slidably moving the locking plate towards the pinion in response to a sudden deceleration of a vehicle.
 1. A safety belt anchoring device for use with safety belts for passengers in vehicles comprising, a casing, a pinion rotatably mounted in said casing, a chain winding upon said pinion, one end of said chain being anchored to said pinion and the opposite end of said chain having means for connecting said chain to a seat belt, a resilient torsion spring for rewinding the chain on said pinion, on one side of said pinion, a locking plate having a plurality of stud members extending therefrom toward said side face of said pinion, said plate member slidably mounted for movement in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the pinion, and said pinion having therein holes adapted for receiving the ends of said studs, means for slidably moving said locking plate toward said pinion to engage said studs in said holes for positively locking the pinion against any rotation, and control means for activating the means for slidably moving the locking plate towards the pinion in response to a sudden deceleration of a vehicle.
 2. A device according to claim 1, additionally comprising spring means for urging said locking plate away from said pinion.
 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein said control means comprises an electromagnet having a solenoid energized by an electrical system which is activated upon sudden deceleration of a vehicle, said electromagnet having a movable core connected to said locking plate for moving said plate axially toward said pinion when said core is attracted by said solenoid.
 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the control means is connected to the brake pedal of a vehicle for actuation by sudden depression of said brake pedal.
 5. A device according to claim 1, wherein said control means includes an inertia switch for energizing said means upon a sudden deceleration of a vehicle.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein said device is securely anchored to an internal portion of the body of a vehicle and the end of said chain having means for connection with a seat belt is connected to a seat belt, and the other end of said belt is also securely anchored to the vehicle body.
 7. A device according to claim 1, wherein said control means comprises a cylinder in said casing coaxial with said pinion, a piston axially slidable in said cylinder and connected to said locking plate, a fluid supply source, a valve member connected to said source and to said cylinder, said valve member connected for actuation by a brake pedal in said vehicle so that when said brake pedal is depressed, said cylinder is filled with fluid at a pressure sufficient to engage the studs of said locking plate in the holes of said pinion.
 8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the fluid comprises hydraulic fluid. 